Much attention has been paid to the relationship between fundamental research and application, and how to manage that relationship for the sake of growth and progress.

Lord Porter, President of the Royal Society in the late 1980s,
was categorical about the link: “there are two kinds of research: applied, and not-yet-applied”. In terms of modern institutions and processes, however, we see tendencies to separate basic from applied research; and research from innovation.

Sir Leszek will explore these factors in the context of the University’s mission to contribute to society.